The manufacture of quality furniture often involves the application of adhesives. Glue keeps the pieces together and is employed in virtually every aspect of cabinet making, from joint and material bonding to edge banding and profile wrapping.

The key to successful furniture manufacturing is the type of adhesive used in the bonding process, and the tools and equipment that apply the adhesive – cleanly, precisely and without unnecessary downtime.

Top-Ranked Glue Application Tools and Equipment for Furniture     

Here’s a round-up of the best glue application equipment for furniture, currently available in South Africa.

Please note that the recommended tools, applicators and adhesive systems are imported. Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations in the exchange rate.

Best Glue Applicator for Flat Surfaces     

Priced from R3,700

Pizzi Glue Rollers are easy-to-use manual adhesive application tools for large flat surfaces.

They quickly dispense even coatings of all types of spreadable glues and adhesives, from PVA and urea-formaldehyde resins to low-viscosity polyurethane products.

Due to the rapid roll-out of coatings, Pizzi Glue Rollers are ideal for applying adhesives with short usable bonding lives.

Why we recommend Pizzi Glue Rollers:

• no maintenance costs
• easy to operate
• quicker and more efficient than pot and brush application
• removable and washable rollers
• marked reduction in adhesive loss
• available in widths ranging from 72 to 180 mm.

Best All-Purpose Glue Gun for Furniture 

Priced from R4,000

With a durable light-weight design and compatibility with a wide range of specialised nozzles, the Pizzi P002 Glue Extrusion Gun is the go-to gun applicator for just about any precision glue work – edge banding, bonding drawers, creating trims and more.

The stainless steel hand lever enables a controlled flow of most types of glues and adhesives. The nylon body is built to withstand consistent heavy-duty use typical of industrial-scale glue-feeding systems.

When it comes to applying precise amounts of adhesive on both even and uneven surfaces, the Pizzi P002 is the industry standard.

Why invest in the Pizzi P002 Glue Extrusion Gun:

• tough and lightweight
• user-friendly glue control
• suitable for use with most adhesives and glues
• threaded closure for quick nozzle changes
• good for nearly all glue applications.

Best Glue Extrusion System for Large-Scale Water-Based Adhesive work

Priced from R18,000

With a 12 kg tank capacity and equipped with a standard Pizzi P002 gun, the Pizzi P9012 Stainless Steel Glue Extrusion System is suitable for heavy-duty glue work at scale.

The tank delivers adhesive on-demand according to the regulated pressure. The system allows for the precise application of the right amount of glue in the desired area.

The Pizzi P9012 is a pressurised, high-glue-volume system that is most commonly used for the application of water-based adhesives. It’s a basic requirement for any furniture manufacturing business – big or small.

Why our clients select the Pizzi Stainless Steel Glue Extrusion System:

• removable plastic insert for easy cleaning
• portable design
• corrosion-resistant tank
• equipped with standard glue gun 
• enables quick, precise, no-mess adhesive application.

Best Semi-Automatic Multi-Surface Adhesive Application System 

Priced from R26,000

When multiple surfaces need to be glued at the same time, the Pizzi 9033 Semi-Automatic Glue Application Unit is the tool of choice. It is a semi-automatic pneumatic system featuring two glue delivery nozzles mounted on fixed heads.

Glue flow and delivery are adjustable. When not in use, the nozzles can be submerged in a removable water basin to prevent the adhesive from drying and clogging up the system.

It’s an efficient glue spreading machine that is easy to handle, operate and clean, and recommended for precise glue delivery on short profiles.

Why select the Pizzi 9033 Semi-Automatic Glue Application Unit:

• ideal for joinery production
• low-cost
• easy to integrate into production process
• precise application on multiple surfaces
• suitable for one operator
• manufactured from durable materials.

Best Spray Gun for Quick, Precise Adhesive Coating  

Price from R2,090

When adhesive spray work is required for fabric bonding and profile wrapping, we recommend the Meite W301 Air Atomising Gravity Spray Gun.

The gun’s ergonomic design is light and comfortable in the hand, while a 600 ml capacity glue cup supports extended spray time.

Everything from the flow speed to the spray pattern can be adjusted to deliver precise and even coatings of finely atomised adhesive to any large surface.

Why consider the Meite W301 Air Atomising Gravity Spray Gun:

• high-volume, low-cost adhesive application
• adjustable air flow, fluid and pattern width
• all-metal gun body
• 1.4 to 2 mm nozzle diameter
• gravity glue feed 
• easy to clean
• readily available spares and maintenance services.

Best Drum Pump for Smooth, Reliable Flow of Low Viscosity Adhesives   

Priced from R22,000

A smooth, reliable and stable flow of adhesive is the key to rapid and efficient glue work, notwithstanding the application.

The Graco Fast-Flo Air-Operated Drum Pump delivers precisely that – and at a delivery rate of up to 40 litres per minute.

The stainless steel pump is designed to expedite low- to medium-viscosity glue flow from 200-litre drums. It is tough, corrosion-resistant and compatible with all adhesive materials.

Why choose the Graco Fast-Flow Drum Pump:

• air-powered for low-cost adhesive transfer
• suitable for low- to medium-viscosity adhesives
• 15 bar maximum fluid working pressure
• manufactured from quality materials
• limited maintenance and extended service life.

Contact SCT to find out more about our quality, imported adhesive application tools and equipment for your furniture manufacturing business.